Big sums for small work.

Nanotechnology projects in the North East have been given a pounds 5.9m funding boost.

Inex, based at Newcastle University has been given pounds 3m and Thomas Swan & Co in Consett, County Durham, pounds 2.9m.

The payouts came yesterday from the Government to support nanotechnology-applied research programmes and help create new facilities across the country.

Nanotechnology is the study of the tiniest atoms and molecules which are one millionth of a millimetre or a nanometer.

Working with atoms this small, there is potential to modify all living and non-living matter and could lead to new materials for building and new ways of treating diseases.

Professor Ken Snowdon, director of Inex, said : "The North East is already known for creating some of the UK's largest structures. Now the region is building a global reputation for making some of the smallest."

There is some opposition to nanotechnology, from people who see it as a form of science fiction. Prince Charles is among the objectors.